What the thread found

• Follow focus motor performance is ultimately determined by the system's ability to drive large, stiff modern lenses like Cooke S4, Ultraprimes, and Masterprimes from infinity to close focus within a practical timeframe, which is the meaningful test case rather than abstract torque and speed numbers.
• Practical system performance and user experience matter more than individual motor specifications in determining operator preference and long-term adoption.
• Testing an established system like Preston with specific modern lenses provides the most reliable benchmark for evaluating whether a new motor design meets market requirements.
• Motor selection by operators is driven by hands-on experience and performance verification rather than published specifications.
• Some operators with access to premium systems choose alternative follow focus systems based on practical experience.

Depends on

• This discussion predates modern motor technology and may not reflect current specifications or availability.
• The thread lacks measured performance data and relies on subjective operator experience.
• No systematic survey data exists comparing market adoption across different follow focus systems as of the discussion date.
• The suggestion to benchmark against Preston DM1 or DM2 motors is from 2007 and may not represent current best practices.

Gear in this thread

BFD

Parts

Follow Focus

Same gear or parts

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2. 2026Pulling focus and zoom yourself while operating, especially on live showsOperator practice
3. 2025History of wireless focus and lens control systems for Steadicam®: from cable-based Cinema Products and Seitz to Preston digital, and European solutions by Chrosziel, cmotion, and ARRI.FacebookSteadicam operators group
4. 2025LC-1 (Lens Control-1) follow focus system: wired architecture, motors, and early operational experience (1990s).FacebookThe Steadicam Group